What is a Master Plan and how is it different from zoning? What is it used for?

The Master Plan, or Land Use Plan, is an overall development guide for all areas of the Pahrump Regional Planning District. It provides the appropriate mix of residential, commercial, and industrial uses in a logically transitioned pattern. It is used to decide if proposed development is in conformance with the plan. Zoning is the division of the county into districts for the purpose of regulating the use of private land. It is, also, a legal entitlement to develop your property within the permitted uses specified in the zoning code. (This only applies to the Pahrump Regional Planning District)

Any decision made by the PRPC can be appealed to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). Appeals must be filed in writing with the Planning Department within 30 days from the PRPC meeting and are scheduled for a hearing by the BOCC approximately one month later. Specific scheduling can be obtained by contacting Planning staff.

The Master Plan, or Land Use Plan, is an overall development guide for all areas of the Pahrump Regional Planning District. It provides the appropriate mix of residential, commercial, and industrial uses in a logically transitioned pattern. It is used to decide if proposed development is in conformance with the plan. Zoning is the division of the county into districts for the purpose of regulating the use of private land. It is, also, a legal entitlement to develop your property within the permitted uses specified in the zoning code. (This only applies to the Pahrump Regional Planning District)

Property development in the Pahrump Regional Planning District is governed by Title 17 of the Nye County Code. This code governs all property development and land uses. You can also speak with a Planner to ask specific questions to ensure that your project will comply with the Development Code.

Demonstrating compliance with the Development Code is a required step for all building permits. This ensures that any use you make of your property will not have a negative impact on neighboring properties or property values. Even when a building permit is not required, all structures must meet Title 17 of the Nye County Code requirements.

The Code Compliance Office, is responsible for code enforcement. They can be reached at (775) 751-4241.

You can also fill out the online complaint form (link is below) or fill out a Code Compliance Request Form located under the Planning Department tab, Code Enforcement and fax it to (775) 751-4324 or deliver/mail it to:

Specific property zoning can be determined by visiting the Planning Department or visiting the Nye County Assessor data search (This only applies to the Pahrump Regional Planning District)

Property zoning determines what a property can be used for and the applicable development standards such as setbacks, height restrictions, etc. Planning staff can discuss the zoning rules and specific requirements for developing a parcel.

Zoning information is also available online with the Nye County GIS interactive Map. Nye County GIS

The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) are elected officials who are responsible for establishing and maintaining the governance of unincorporated Nye County, including land development. The BOCC are elected from five electoral districts and appoint the members of the Regional Planning Commission. The Pahrump Regional Planning Commission is empowered by the BOCC to make final development decisions on many land use applications, and make recommendations on nonconforming zone change requests. The BOCC is the final authority on all zoning issues, including appealed decisions from the PRPC.

Generally, any new construction of a structure over 200 square feet or anything in a commercial zone will require a building permit. Appropriate building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, pool, and/or other permits are required for all new construction, alteration, repair, moving, improving, removing, conversion, or demolition of buildings, structures, signs, amusement, and transportation systems, or building service equipment as outlined in the Nye County Code. (This only applies to the Pahrump Regional Planning District)

You can find this information by contacting the utility company who has jurisdiction in the area for which the property is located. All of the Public Utility Companies servicing Pahrump are in the phone book. A list is, also, available at the Planning front counter.

You may obtain flood zone information from Nye County by stopping by the Pahrump Planning Department, 250 N. Hwy 160, Ste. 1 or by calling the Floodplain Administrator at (775) 751-4248. A composite flood zone map is available at the front counter for viewing as well as specific Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) for your area.

If your property is within the 100-year flood plain, in zones AO-1, 2, or 3 in an Undefined A-Zone, your mortgage company will likely require flood insurance. Otherwise, flood insurance is not mandatory. However, the decision to purchase Flood Insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program must be made by each individual. You can get more information from the FEMA website or from your insurance agent. FEMA

A conceptual Site Plan is required with all Conditional Use Permit applications and must comply with NCC 17.04.950 before going before the Regional Planning Commission for action. If the application is approved, then a full Site Development Plan Review will be required and must be approved by both the Planning Department and Public Works Department before any construction or development will be permitted, as well as before a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued from the Building and Safety Department. (This applies only to the Pahrump Regional Planning District)

Specific zoning for your property can be obtained from the Planning Department by stopping by the Planning office and completing a Zoning Inquiry Request. Up to five parcels can be requested on each form.

It is intended that Site Development Plan reviews shall be required prior to the issuance of Building or other Construction Permits for all properties located in the (NC) Neighborhood Commercial, (GC) General Commercial, (MU) Mixed Use, (MF) Multi-family, (LI) Light Industrial, (HI) Heavy Industrial, (BR) Brothel, and (AP) Airport Zones and is required for all commercial/industrial development.